Aug 25, 2016 -- NEW for 2016 MIDACO has developed an AUTOMATIC MULTI-PALLET CHANGER for 5-Axis and Standard VMCs. This innovative design can load and unload 19 aluminum pallets, one at a time, on any New or Existing machine. Midaco’s new system is ideal for “Lights-Out” manufacturing changing parts while the machining center runs unattended overnight.

The servo driven AUTOMATIC MULTI-PALLET CHANGER includes 19 aluminum pallets 10” (245mm) dia. and 1.25” (31.75mm) thick. Each pallet’s weight capacity is 75 lbs (34.05kg). Hardened and ground locating pins assure +/- .0001” (.0025mm) repeatability and the Pallet Changer integrates with the machine using M-functions. The pallet changer is equipped with a dual air-blast for chip removal. The cast iron receiver (which does not require pneumatics or hydraulics) mounts directly on the machining center table. The full CE enclosure has two drop-down door loading stations (one on each side of the machine) and ensures that a pallet change will not occur if doors are opened.

Celebrating over 47 years in business, MIDACO CORPORATION of Elk Grove Village, Illinois USA, manufactures Automatic and Manual Pallet Changers which adapt to most machining centers with travels from 12.75” x 10.5” up to 160” x 88”. These systems reduce spindle downtime related to part loading and fixture change-over. The Automatic Pallet Changers are servo driven and are designed to offer a fast pallet change time.

Today’s marketplace is causing companies to experience smaller lot sizes. These short run jobs cause significant spindle downtime due to fixture change over. When combined with part loading, first article inspection and emergency job interruption tasks, experts estimate that today’s average machining center is idle up to 70% of the time. At a conservative shop rate of $75.00 per hour this down time can add up to over $56,000.00 of lost profit per year, per each machine owned. MIDACO pallet changers are a way to eliminate unnecessary spindle downtime and rescue lost profit.

Once a pallet or load of parts is complete, the next pallet or job is transferred into the machine in seconds. Because all part loading and job set-up tasks are performed offline (without the operator leaning into the machine) both productivity and ergonomics is maximized. MIDACO Automatic Pallet Systems are easily installed on the right side or the left side or sometimes both sides of a new or existing machine center to reduce floor space.

In addition to Automatic and Manual Pallet Changers, MIDACO has Manual “Lift Off” Pallet Systems. Other products include Automatic Door Openers for VMCs and Grinder Guard/Grit-Grabber Systems for bench and pedestal grinders.

Application Engineers are available to help select the right pallet changer model to increase your output. Whether you machine lot sizes in the 1000’s or doing 1 piece prototype work, MIDACO has the solution to eliminate unnecessary SPINDLE downtime.

Contact your local authorized distributor or MIDACO at 847.593.8420 for complete information, and see them in action for yourself at
IMTS 2016 in the South Hall booth S-9347, September 12-17, McCormick Place, Chicago.